asexuality: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal, Academic, and Community-specific contexts. Increasingly used in general discourse.
Quick answer
What does “asexuality” mean?
The state or quality of experiencing little or no sexual attraction to others.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The state or quality of experiencing little or no sexual attraction to others.
A sexual orientation characterized by a persistent lack of sexual attraction towards any gender. It can also refer to a broad spectrum of identities (the asexual spectrum) and is distinct from celibacy or abstinence, which are behavioral choices.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or grammatical differences. The term is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotations are identical, linked to LGBTQ+/queer community discourse. No region-specific cultural baggage.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both, slightly higher in US due to broader public discourse on identity politics.
Grammar
How to Use “asexuality” in a Sentence
[Subject] + discusses/explores/identifies with + asexuality.Asexuality + is + [described/understood/misunderstood] + as...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “asexuality” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - No verb form in standard use.
American English
- N/A - No verb form in standard use.
adverb
British English
- N/A - No standard adverb form.
American English
- N/A - No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- She identified as asexual after a long period of self-reflection.
- Asexual representation in media is growing.
American English
- He came out as asexual to his family last year.
- The forum provides support for asexual teens.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare, except in HR/diversity & inclusion contexts discussing employee demographics.
Academic
Common in psychology, sociology, gender & sexuality studies, and queer theory.
Everyday
Used in personal identity discussions, online communities, and increasingly in media.
Technical
In biology, the term is not used for humans; 'asexual reproduction' is the technical term for reproduction without gamete fusion.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “asexuality”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “asexuality”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “asexuality”
- Using 'asexual' as a verb (e.g., 'He asexuals').
- Confusing it with aromanticism (lack of romantic attraction).
- Equating it with low libido or medical conditions.
- Capitalizing it unnecessarily (not a proper noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Celibacy is a conscious choice to abstain from sexual activity, often for religious or personal reasons. Asexuality is an intrinsic orientation involving little to no sexual attraction, regardless of behavior.
Yes. Asexuality relates to sexual attraction, not romantic attraction. Many asexual people identify as heteroromantic, homoromantic, biromantic, or aromantic and form deep romantic partnerships without a sexual component.
While the term and organized community are relatively recent (late 20th/early 21st century), people experiencing little or no sexual attraction have always existed. Historical figures and literature contain references consistent with asexual experiences.
Not necessarily. Attitudes towards sex among asexual people vary widely. Some are sex-repulsed, others are indifferent, and some may engage in sex for various reasons (e.g., to please a partner, to have children). Behavior does not define the orientation.
The state or quality of experiencing little or no sexual attraction to others.
Asexuality is usually formal, academic, and community-specific contexts. increasingly used in general discourse. in register.
Asexuality: in British English it is pronounced /ˌeɪsɛkʃuˈælɪti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌeɪˌsɛkʃuˈæləti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On the ace spectrum (referring to the asexual spectrum).”
- “Coming out as ace/asexual.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A-' (meaning 'without') + 'sexuality' = without sexual attraction. Remember the 'A' as in 'Aromantic' or 'Agender', other identities that use the 'A-' prefix in LGBTQ+ contexts.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SPECTRUM (asexuality is often conceptualized as a broad spectrum of experiences, not a binary).
Practice
Quiz
Which statement about asexuality is accurate?